A slightly bizarre question, but is anyone aware of the reason why officers personal numbers are left off when details are inscribed onto an individuals OSM. As an LE all my medals pr-commissioning include my regimental number, rank, name and regiment (excluding NATO/UN), but post commission only include rank, name and regiment.

Cant find the answer - thought it would be quite easy as there are so many collectors sites on the net. But nada.

What it does show is that the style of naming on the medals has changed many times over the last 100 years or so - aparantly if you collect its important to understand this as its a way of identifying the fakes or renamed medals. Renaming seems to be popular as some Regiments are worth more than others. Its also more profitable to remove an R or Replacement from the medal.

Quite an interesting bit of reading actually, but like i said couldnt find an answer for your particular question. I'd give the RO a ring who runs the Medal Office, it'll give him a break from writing uptight apologies in Soldier Magazine.